I'll Cover You...

With 1,000 kisses....tear, tear, sniffle, sniffle

Last night, I was at opening night of the touring production of Rent at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN.

A-MAZ-ZING!

I have been listening to the music from Rent for years, but this was the first time I had ever seen the actual show - and it did not disappoint.

I started the evening with happy hour at Palomino with some of my former co-workers from the Theatres. I always refer to it as "the theatres" and what I mean by that is the Hennepin Theatre District, which consists of the State, Orpheum and Pantages Theatres located on Hennepin Avenue in downtown Mpls. I interned there for a summer during college and stayed in touch with the folks enough that I was able to work there a couple years later for about 2 years.

Side Note: I miss my co-workers there dearly. I never realized how lucky I was to have so many friends around me at work. I know I had problems with some of the higher up people, but for the most part, I had some truly amazing friends there - people who are still dear friends to me and in retrospect, things weren't as bad there as I had made myself to believe. All in time though learning those things.

Anywho - Happy Hour was fun catching up with old friends and meeting new friends. Then, onto the show. Kathryn and I sat down - and I had already warned her about my emotionalness. lol I had no doubt there were going to be tears, so as long as she was warned, it was fair game. That is just how I am with music and theatre. It brings something out in me and I cry for reasons of being moved by the music, lyrics, dance, or anythign else. That's just how I roll. Poor Rian had to deal with me at Wicked a couple months ago. haha

Minneapolis is lucky to be able to have this production include two of the original members of the Broadway cast: Adam Pascal (as Roger) & Anthony Rapp (as Mark). They were two of the most important cast members that brought this show to life and help to make it the incredible show it is today. They were also featured in the movie they made of the show. So it was pretty amazing to see them do what made them who they are today in the world of Broadway.

So the show is amazing song, song, song, tear, tear, tear, clap, clap, clap.

We rushed out at the end to go over to Manhattan's for the Cast Party after the show. Kathryn had to "work" at it and do the schmoozing and make sure everything was going accordingly. It was so fun to be there - I miss those cast parties with free food and drinks and great company. I was a little nervous for this one because Anthony and Adam would be there - and if you know me, famous people make me nervous. Except if I'm in word mode. If I'm working and part of that is to be around that I'm okay b/c I feel like I have more of a purpose since I'm working - when I'm not though, I'm a mess. haha

Adam came in first and he looked good. We just huddled around to stare at him occasionally. A little later we heard that Anthony was in the hall, so I had to go see. I was even more nervous to meet him b/c he is so, well its MARK! haha Right when I saw him I thought I needed to get a picture with him right away so he doesn't get away from me and I loose my chance. There were a couple stray fans that followed him from the theatre to meet him and everything. And honestly, I think he just wanted to get inside the restaurant and relax for a minute. Then here comes me, the goofy girl with the camera. My new friend Michael grabbed my camera and I quick went up to him to get a picture. The picture of us is not good. haha He looks pretty unhappy or at least he looks distracted. Oh well - I was happy to meet him and grab a pic with him. Even if its the most akward picture ever. haha At least it is something. I haven't put my pics online yet, but I'll post when I do. A little later we actually went up and talked to Adam for a few minutes. Super nice guy. Super cute and friendly. This was his first trip to MN and he was saying that he wanted to get out a bit but there isn't much time between the shows and them only staying until Sunday/Monday. He said he was always looking for good restaurants - so right there I jumped in. I said - do you like sushi? There is an amazing sushi place downtown called Koyi Sushi. You should go - really small but always good. He asked how to spell it and he said he would google it and try to check it out. I figure I should get at least one cool point for that one. After chatting for a few minutes, we grabbed a picture with him. Should be super cute. I don't have it on my camera but once I get it I will post it.

UPDATE -Here is the picture of me and Anthony...Not the greatest, but hey - it works! hehe And below it is the picture of Kathryn, Adam Pascal, Me and Michael.

So all in all, it was a great night. I loved seeing some of my old co-workers and loved that they were all excited to see me too. We are definitely going to plan some happy hours. Since the show didn't end until like 10:30pm and then we went to the party, I didn't get home until 1am and had to wake up 5 hours later, but it was totally worth it, even though I'm sooo old b/c I'm just dragging today! lol

I would recommend this show to anyone -esp if you have never seen it. And to see it with Adam and Anthony is just the cherry on top!

For more info check out the Hennepin Theatres District Website

**Esp after last night - I know those theatres have not seen the last of me and things are actually cooking right now where I'll jump back in. Not a job or anything - but there are some things in the word that I'm getting excited about...stay tuned....

Attn: SATC Fans

To all you Sex and the City fans out there...

Lately, I've been watching/listening to the Sex and the City audio commentaries on the DVDs. I have basically watched every single episode of the series at the least maybe 8 times - give or take. There is just something about that show that I can watch it over and over and OVER again, and not get sick of it or not think it is amusing. I have a problem. lol

Also, my nightly ritual is sitting in bed watching SATC episodes on TBS (and other stations) while I do sudoku. It helps calm me and ready me for sleep.

I just can't get enough of the show and am fascinated by episodes over and over again. To me, there is so much depth to every episode, so much relatability, so much humor and so much beauty. I love the four very unique and extraordinary women; I love their life experiences and I love them as they were my own friend. I know people might think it is weird, but I connect with the show and with the women and their struggles and triumphs. I also am in love the New York City and everything out it. I feel like I can live through the women and experience NYC as I would always hope to. Silly - I know but I have weird ways of connecting with certain movies or tv shows. The art form is important to me and to me it is a part of my life.

In any case - I will continue - I have been watching and listening to some of the audio commentaries on the dvds and for anyone who is as big of a fan as I am, this is a completely hidden treasure of the show. All of them are done by Michael Patrick King - the producer and creator of the show. He has incredible insight and fun facts galore!

For someone like me who has seen every episode a multitude of times, this is a great way to re-introduce each episode. MPK speaks almost throughout the entire episode. Along the way he shares the great tidbits of the show - pre/post production, waredrobe, extras, NYC, lines, takes and so much more. I enjoy hearing about the behind the scenes type things and secrets of the cast. I love hearing about waredrobe things - Patricia Fields is the mastermind behind the fashion of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte and does a beyond incredible job.

I have learned so much more about the show and all involved and it makes me happy.

I know not everyone enjoys any kind of audio commentaries and might feel bored, but I throughly enjoy these. Even as background noice to listen to. I have a portable dvd player and I use that all the time for times like when I'm doing hair or make-up, cleaning or anything.

And an update for those of you who did not know - Sex and the City:The Movie 2 is a GO! I have heard many accounts of rumors and things, but a couple weeks ago I saw Cynthia Nixon on Regis and Kelly and she CONFIRMED that it WILL be happening!!!

I have the most mixed feelings on this one though. I cannot get enough of SATC and the movie, but at the same time, I'm scared that something bad is goign to happen in the movie and it will ruin things for me. I REALLY liked how they left things in the movie about how all of the girls were happy and in good places, even though they had been through a lot. I'm just not sure how much more drama they can take and what else would happen that would create an whole new movie! I understand that I was concerned about the first movie and what would happen, but it makes sense. For the next movie, I'm not sure if more children are in the picture or more relationship drama. But the numero uno thing that I am SCARED for is if they decide to kill one of them off. Like, let's say Samantha's cancer comes back or something. I just dont' think I could handle the idea of one of them dying. Terrible!

None the less, I will anticipate the sequel like I did the first one. A midnight show will probably be in order! :-)

What is your favorite episode???

You've Got Soul...You've Got Class...

Does anyone even remember what I decided to name all of my blog titles?? If you remember what I said I was going to do - leave me a comment and if you get it right I will give you a gold star.

So I know....I'm bad...no blogging in a month and SO much has gone on. I'll try to not bore you with the same old since most of you would have known...in any case....

As all of you know, Owen Charles Pershing was born on Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 at 7:33pm. He was 6 lbs and 10 oz (I think 10 oz) and as beautiful as little boys come. You've all seen pictures and many of you have met him and know how perfect he is. I was lucky enough to spend a good amount of time with the new family after Owen was born. I stayed for 4 days after he was born, went home for a couple days then came back for another 3 days. Then left but came back a few days later for another night. I was okay the first time I left b/c I knew I was coming back really soon, but after the second visit I had a bit of a crying spell when I was getting ready to leave. I knew I had to leave in like 30 mintues so I asked Eliz if I could hold him for a while before I left. I started to hold him and just broke down - I could barely tell why I was crying - except that I was feeling like I was never going to see him again! Terrible! I think I cried a couple more times, but eventually was able to leave and cry all the way home. lol It was just really hard leaving both Elizabeth and Owen and knowing that they would be (semi) far away. It was hard leaving Owen since I had been waiting to meet him for 9 months and then I only had a week with him! And it was hard leaving my sister too because I can't remember the last time that we had spent so much time together just hanging out and talking and I miss that a lot. All in all, I just have to keep reminding myself that they could be a LOT further away - so a short car ride is nothing in the scheme of things. Either way, Owen is here the the most beautiful baby in the world and I couldn't be more proud or happier to be his Godmother! :-)

Another big change in the last month was me finally getting a new job and leaving the world of tpt. It wasn't very hard to leave tpt since they didn't much care that I was leaving. I knew I was onto bigger and better things. And so far everything is going really well at the Dept of Revenue. My job, albeit not very interesting or exciting, is a upgrade from my last as far as actually having work to do and being more of an independent worker. I cannot believe the things I DO NOT have to do for my supervisor. I catch myself feeling like I should be doing more, but at the same time realizing that I'm not in that place anymore and that now I have a lot more freedom and a lot more reponsibility as well as respect. Like I said, it is not my dream job and I certainly don't plan on doing this for the rest of my life - but it is giving me a solid point in my life where my job isn't ruining the rest of my life. And I really can take the time to focus on figuring out career-wise what is going to be satisfying for me and fill that void that I know I have. But at least now I'm being treated like an adult, I'm being trusted and I'm in a healthy environment. I am completely overwhelmed at my current supervisor and how NOT like my previous boss she is - it is unbelievble. She is genuine, respectful, understanding of the fact that we have lives outside of our jobs and it is a joy to work for someone who appreciates me and the work that I'm doing. If you could only see the difference...
The other huge bonus for me with my new job is my schedule. I am able to work a flex schedule where basically Monday through Thursday, I'm working from 7:30am-5:00pm and Fridays I will be working 7:30am-11:30am!! A half day every single Friday?!?! Yes, that's right!
It is SO worth it to work that extra hour and have a reward at the end of every week by having a half day. Tomorrow is my first one and I'm SO looking forward to it. Especially when the weather starts inproving, it will be amazing to have that much more time in the sun! Definitely a bonus too if I want to drive down to Chester for the day/night. This is a perk that is worth money to me, so I'm very grateful for it.

That is all for now - but those are the two biggest changes that have happened since my last blog. Talk to me next week and I'll have another big change for you.

Stay tuned....